How To Cook Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash has a secret superpower: when roasted, its flesh turns into pasta-like strands. Here’s how to make the most of it.

By Chatelaine

Updated September 11, 2023

Roasted spaghetti squash served on a rustic wooden table, with its golden strands and caramelized edges.

(Photo: iStock)

Oblong in shape with a bright, creamy yellow shell, spaghetti squash gets its name from the spaghetti-like strands the flesh separates into when roasted. Look for spaghetti squash with a firm and blemish-free rind and rounded stem.

How to cut spaghetti squash

Like any other type of squash, spaghetti squash has a thick rind that can be a pain to cut into. Our tip? Soften the skin! Just like kabocha squash, you can pierce spaghetti squash with a knife and microwave it for two to three minutes before hacking into it. Alternatively, you can steam the squash for three to four minutes in a large pot or until the skin is easier to work with.

To create spaghetti-like strands, cut your squash in half, de-seed it, brush it with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt and roast it flesh-side down in a 400 F oven until tender (40-50 minutes). Use a fork to pull off strands of cooked squash and serve like spaghetti with your favourite sauce.